Petre Island is filled with stunning architecture and also a scandalous history. Engineer Ahmed Chahroudi bought the island, which is located a quick 50 miles from New York City in the middle of Lake Mahopac, he asked famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design a home for the land.
Originally, according to DesignBoom, the plan spanned 5,000-square-feet and came in too expensive for the landowner. Given the new budget, the plans were scaled down to include a 1,200-square-foot cottage. But here’s where the drama comes into play: In 2007, the island had a new owner named John Massaro. He commissioned a Wright Scholar to finish the work outlined in the original plan. To this day, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation refuses to acknowledge this home as a certified Wright creation.
Today, the entire island is on the market for $12.9 million. What that gets you: two homes (one Frank Lloyd Wright original and one finished by another architect), a helipad, tea house, dock, beach, and some of the most beautiful skylights you’ll ever see.
Don’t let the phrase “private island” fool you in terms of how to get there. While it is located in its own paradise of sorts, Petre Island is accessible by helicopter (a quick ride from Manhattan or Westchester Airport, according to the listing) or a 5-minute boat ride from the mainland. Any neighbors are just distant enough to get away from wrap-around windows while still managing to make the home seem secluded.
Sound like your definition of heaven? You can learn more about the property on the Douglas Elliman real estate website.
